My cocker spaniel, Sugar, is five years old and has two tumors in her left rear paw and hip.  Luckily the tumors are not cancer but will ultimately impact her ability to utilize her leg and the specialist feels that she is in great discomfort.  I feel very fortunate that I have been able to go The Ohio State Veterinary Hospital for the best care.  The recommendation is removal of her leg.  I have struggled greatly with this decision but have finally scheduled the surgery.  I have cried, worry constantly about her ongoing quality of life, and so forth.  Finding this website has been a great source of information and some relief for me.  I am very worried about the recovery but now know what to expect and to be prepared for due to this website and the great amount of advice for all that have gone through this with their animals.  Thank you.  Wish Sugar luck – her surgery is on Tuesday!!

Medical Veterinary technology is so advanced nowadays. I'm sure that your Sugar will come through a little sore but with the love and care you give her over the next week will certainly help her overcome and hop around as strong as ever. It will take a few weeks but I'm sure she will adapt very well. DannyBoy was running and hopping at 14 days post amp for cancer.

Have faith but be prepared for a few sleepless nights…

Tom, DannyBoy's Dad

We'll keep all fingers and paws crossed for Sugar next Tuesday!  The first few weeks can be a roller coaster, but once she's through that things should get easier.  I think if you asked Holly, she'd say "Who needed that ole leg anyway?"   Please keep us posted!

Hugs,
Holly, Zuzu and Susan 

We are happy you found us here at Tripawds, and sorry that you have to go through an amputation. Sugar will do just fine, you'll be amazed. You'll need plenty of rest for the next few weeks. Try to keep your emotions in check when you are around Sugar, as pups can sense things very well. Also, make sure you look at pictures of pups that recently had surgery – it helps to be prepared. We're glad we did! When we picked Skyler up from surgery, I just focused on her sweet face and eyes, and didn't look at her incision until later in the day. Sending pawsitive thoughts and hugs your way. Please keep us posted!

Cathy/Jane/Spirit Skyler/Chloe

No cancer for Sugar is the best news ever (other than no need to be on this site at all, of course)!  For posts from a doubting Thomas (I totally didn't believe everyone who said Ajax would be fine) who was so pleasantly surprised with the results post-op, search my posts entitled Ajax – I think they will make you feel better.  Good luck and don't worry – also you may want to follow all the "tips" here, especially the ones about covering up slippery floors.  Sugar will do great!

Thanks for all the kind words.  Sugar gets admitted tomorrow and has the surgery on Tuesday morning.  After reading your posts, I am taking some vacation days to stay home with her until I feel she is ready to be alone again when I go to work.  Looking forward to getting the next two weeks behind me!!!  THANKS.